Around Miellin

Head to Miellin via the RD 133 from Servance (junction near the Saut de l’Ognon). Park near the church (altitude 578). If there are no spaces available, drive back down to the town hall.

(S/E) Walk back to the large crossroads and take the road that slopes gently down to the left, known as Rue de Saint-Blaise. Cross the river La Doue de l’Eau via the Pont Charreau. At the junction near a cross, note a small, landscaped area on the left, set amongst the rocks and featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary. Leave the road leading up to Les Landres and Belfahy on your left and carry straight on to reach the hamlet of Les Frechins.

(1) After crossing the bridge over the little Landres stream, take the lane on the left opposite the sawmill. The path climbs steeply along the left bank of the stream. After passing through a clear-cut area of fir trees, turn right and continue climbing beneath the firs. The climb becomes steep.

(2) The path takes a hairpin bend to the left, and the slope becomes less steep. Pass a path coming from the right and emerge onto a forest track. Follow it to the left and continue climbing on a gentler slope until you reach the gate.

(3) Two options:
(3.1) Head down the Yellow Ring-marked road and, 300 metres further down, join a forest track on the right.
(3.2) As shown on the map, leave the ‘Yellow Ring’ route and turn right onto the tarmac road which continues to climb. At the first right-hand bend, take the forest track branching off to the left, the entrance to which is marked by a gate (marked ‘Yellow Disc’). Personally, I prefer this option, as the area is wilder and more pleasant.

(4) After 100 m, take care and follow the goat track branching off to the left (C.B.L. signpost: ‘Chapelle Saint-Blaise – 25 mins’). The narrow path follows the contour line at around 870 m. Cross the first stream; the path then ends at a small torrent.
This is a tricky section. Cross the stream, climb the embankment opposite for 5 m and keep a close eye out for a track leading off to the left. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot a Yellow Disc marker tucked away on a beech tree. If in doubt, head north-north-west on a gentle descent to come out onto a good path (junction with option 3.1).

(5) Turn right and follow the Yellow Ring markings you left behind earlier, now accompanied by the Yellow Disc, to soon reach a crossroads at the end of a tarmac road.

(6) Take a path leading uphill to the right and you’ll soon reach the Chapel of Saint Blaise. Admire the idyllic landscape and the charm of the chapel. Note the spring: the water of Saint Blaise soothes all ailments.

(7) Retrace your steps.

(6) Turn right and continue downhill. About 100 metres further on, turn right again, following the signposts. Cross the Ruisseau de la Goutte Radère. Leave the lovely road on your right and head down to the bottom of the valley. After a hairpin bend to the left, leave the ‘Yellow Ring’ signposting, which goes straight on, and turn right to cross the Doue de l’Eau bridge.

(8) As you come off the bridge, follow a lovely road to the left. Pass the former Verrerie forest house, which, as its name suggests, stands on the site of a former glassworks established in 1695.

(9) About 150 m further on, leave the road and turn right onto the path leading uphill, marked with a Blue Ring (signpost ‘Cote 820 – 5 km140’). The climb is gentle at first but becomes steeper after crossing the stream. The path curves sharply to the right and climbs more steeply. On the left, a large pile of stones catches your eye: about a hundred metres further on, look out for the start of a path on the left.

(10) Take this path on the left, which leads to the pile of stones you saw earlier (these are the remains of a granite quarry that was opened in the early 20th century). Retrace your steps back to the main path.

(10) Take the signposted path to the left again and, after a steep climb, emerge at the Plain des Bornes.

(11) Follow the ridge path to the left, which runs along the boundary between the communes of Miellin and Haut-du-Them. Initially pleasant, lined with fir trees and a carpet of moss, the path now features a few slightly muddy sections. Numerous short climbs alternate with descents between altitudes of 806 and 880 metres.

(12) Note a large fir tree on the left with an unusual canopy. Continue west, then south-west, along the Blue Ring trail. Reach the 820-metre mark and its memorial to the soldiers of the^1st Shock Battalion who died in action on 4 October 1944.

(13) Continue south-south-west and you will soon come to a crossroads in a small clearing.

(14) Take the^first path on the left, still signposted ‘Blue Ring’. Descend gently through woodland, with some difficult sections over pebbles requiring great care. You’ll come to a tarmac road, pass through the hamlet of Les Perriguey and arrive at the church in Miellin (S/E).

This walk is suitable only for experienced walkers or even trekkers (steep ascents and difficult descents)
Tables and benches at the Saint-Blaise Chapel and at the 820-metre mark.
Covered picnic area 150 m past the 820-metre mark
Apart from the Saint-Blaise Fountain, there is nowhere to top up your water supplies

Servance: The Ognon Waterfall
Haut-du-Them/Château-Lambert: The Mountain Museum and the Environment Centre